Ahead of 20th anniversary of killing of Veronica Guerin in Ireland, OSCE Representative reminds of investigative journalism’s importance for democracy

Veronica Guerin, an investigative reporter who reported on organized crime for the Irish newspaper Sunday Independent, was shot and killed on 26 June, 1996. (Wikipedia)

DUBLIN 23 June 2016 – Ahead of the 20th anniversary of the murder of Irish journalist Veronica Guerin, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today reminded of the importance investigative journalists play for our societies and the fight to end impunity.

“Veronica Guerin was a dedicated and courageous journalist who paid the ultimate price for her work,” Mijatović said. “Her death is a constant reminder of the importance of protecting and safeguarding journalists. They are our eyes and ears and play an essential role as public watchdogs in our societies.”

Guerin, an investigative reporter who reported on organized crime for the Irish newspaper Sunday Independent, was subject to a number of attacks and threats during the 1990s. In 1995, after publishing a story on organized crime, she was shot in her home by an unidentified assailant. Guerin survived the attack and continued her work as a reporter.

On 26 June 1996, two men on a motorcycle pulled up alongside Guerin’s car at a traffic light in suburban Dublin, shot and killed her. Three men were subsequently charged, prosecuted and convicted for their involvement in the murder.

“Guerin’s work and her tireless efforts as an investigative journalist should serve as an example to all of us,” Mijatović said. “And any attempt to silence members of the media should be treated as a direct attack on democracy.”

Mijatović is in Dublin participating in a conference on violent online political extremism and the responses to it.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter:@OSCE_RFoM and onwww.facebook.com/osce.rfom.